Pike's Pick for November 1, 2008
|
|
Autumn Fern
(Dryopteris erythrosora)
 |
 |
| New spring foliage |
Summer foliage |
Species Native Range: Asia
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-8(9)
Mature Size: 24 inches tall tall and wide
Exposure: Partial to full shade
Soil: Organic soil that is well-drained
Drought Tolerance: Excellent
Ease of Culture: Easy
Autumn fern is perhaps one of the most attractive evergreen ferns for the garden, especially in the winter where it remains upright
and lush despite single digit temperatures.
In the spring, the new fronds emerges a lovely orange color resembling fall foliage, but quickly change over to a bright green.
Very tolerant of a wide range of conditions, it does best in partial to full shade
with an organic soil that is moist, but well-drained.
Grow Autumn Fern in a shade or woodland garden and in shade containers where it makes a great substitute for Boston ferns which
have to be brought indoors or thrown out in the fall. Good companion plants include hostas, hellebores, variegated solomon's seal and any
number of other ferns. Autumn fern can divided in the early spring and I recommend removing all the fronds in the early spring
every few years in order to rejuvenate its looks.
Copyright © 2008 by Theresa Schrum - All rights reserved
No part of this website may be reproduced without the expressed written permission of Theresa Schrum